A neglected war in the history of the United States, the Korean conflict played a key role in greatly expanding America's commitments worldwide and contributed to the U.S. decision to engage in direct military action in Vietnam fifteen years later. This up-to-date, readable analysis and ready-reference guide to the Korean War is designed to help students and interested readers understand the causes, events, and implications of the War and to provide a wealth of material for student research. Materials include a detailed timeline of events, six topical essays on various aspects of the war and its impact, seventeen lengthy biographical profiles of key players, the text of fifteen important primary documents, a glossary, and a comprehensive annotated bibliography.

Following an introductory essay that explains the causes and history of the war, five topical essays examine the Western Alliance and, in particular, our relations with Great Britain over the War, an analysis and new insights on the role of the Soviet Union and China, the Chinese Communist intervention, the prisoners of war issue, and the meaning and implications of the Korean conflict. Primary documents include the text of speeches, memoranda, telegrams, and official government reports. Biographical sketches provide thorough discussion of the role of major players in the conflict. A section of photographs complements the text. Because it is based on the most recent scholarship and written for the high school and college student researcher, it is the ideal companion to a study of the Korean conflict and its implications for post-World War II America.